New twist on fake antivirus scam

A very popular web-based scam is the fake antivirus "scan" that purports to have found malware on a user's computer, and then cons the user into "buying" antivirus software to clean the system. In some cases, it's a double whammy: not only do the scammers get your money and your credit card information, they also deliver real malware, such as a Trojan that sends them other personal information from your computer, when you think you're installing their antivirus software.

A new twist on this common ploy has been reported recently, whereby the scammer accepts payment via SMS. These rogue programs masquerade as real, well-known antivirus programs such as Avast, Norton, McAfee and others.

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Deb Shinder

Debra Littlejohn Shinder is a technology and security analyst and author specializing in identity, security and cybercrime, utilizing her past experience as a police officer and police academy/criminal justice instructor. She has written numerous books and articles for web and print publications and has been awarded the Microsoft MVP designation for fourteen years in a row.

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New twist on fake antivirus scam

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